INCIDENTS of theft are not rare in Johi town of Dadu district. However, one never thought a library would be the target of thieves. But that is precisely what happened a few days ago when the Akbar Jiskani Memorial Library was deprived of books, furniture and air-conditioners by unknown culprits.

This library is the only place in the entire town where students come to prepare for their various exams. But, unfortunately, the library is no longer functional. The theft has apparently failed to attract the attention of the local government as no concrete action has been taken by the administration thus far.

The building of the library is owned by the Town Municipal Committee (TMC), which has not appointed staff like watchmen and peons. Several students have protested more than once against the neglect, but the relevant authorities have refused to pay heed to such calls.

It is now the government’s responsibility to take decisive steps and provide due facilities for those who visit the library.

If the government is really serious about supporting the cause of education in the rural areas across Sindh, it should provide sufficient financial as well as infrastructural support to town libraries.

Wajahat Hussain Soomro
Johi

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2025